19 Epic Things To Do In Tromso – Norway’s Ultimate Arctic Adventure

Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic in Norway, offering a unique blend of history, nature, and adventure. Located above the Arctic Circle, this vibrant city is known for its colourful heritage buildings, modern glass structures, and stunning natural surroundings. Tromso is home to several museums, the iconic Arctic Cathedral, and thrilling activities like reindeer sledding. Whether visiting during the peak season for the Northern Lights or enjoying the midnight sun, there’s a fun experience to be had year-round. While many travellers cruise the fjords from Bergen, some cruise ships also stop in Tromsø and Nordkapp, Norway’s northernmost destinations.

Beyond its striking architecture and rich history, Tromso is a playground for Arctic adventures. Visitors can embark on reindeer sledding excursions led by the indigenous Sami people, chase the Northern Lights on guided tours, or take in breathtaking views from the Fjellheisen cable car. For a cultural deep dive, explore several museums, including the Polar Museum and Tromsø University Museum, which showcase Arctic exploration and Sami heritage. Whether kayaking in the fjords under the midnight sun or warming up in a floating sauna, Tromso offers unforgettable experiences in every season, making it a must-visit destination in Norway’s Arctic region.

Tromso, Norway

14 Incredible Things To Do In Tromsø

1- See Arctic Wildlife At Polaria

Polaria is an Arctic aquarium worth visiting as it is a showcase of Arctic animals such as bearded seals.

The glass tunnel is quite an experience, especially when bearded seals float past.

The bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) is an arctic species with a grey-brown body and long whiskers.

To distinguish it from other seals look for a deeply set lower jaw and square front flippers.

This seal is the largest northern phocid seal, where an adult specimen can be as long as two metres and weigh as much as 250kg.

The seal pool is not a large area and if you’re visiting during high season (especially when there’s a cruise ship is in town), it’s probably going to be crowded.

Despite the crowd, it’s still worth seeing.

You’ll soon realise how intelligent these seals are.

With a little inducement of fish treats, it’s a wonder to see these huge seals launch out of the water onto the ground beside the pool.

Then there are oohs and aahs as you marvel at the frolicking and the responses of the seals to the cues from the seal trainers.

Arctic seals

There are six seal species in the Arctic.

Besides the bearded seal, there’s the harp seal, common seal, hooded seal, ringed seal and walrus.

Climate change and the rise in the sea temperature is becoming a pressing problem for these Arctic species.

These Arctic animals, which include polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and seals, have adapted to freezing temperatures and long winters. Now, they are under threat of losing their habitats.

Some researchers predict that global warming will affect the Arctic much more than anywhere else on earth.

Already, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the USA has listed bearded and ringed seals as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.

2- Gawk At The Northern Lights

I would love to visit this beautiful place again when the Northern Lights are dancing in the sky. They say late Autumn and early Spring are the best times to spot the Northern Lights.

I’ve seen the Northern Lights in the Yukon in Canada where a green shimmering curtain falling from the sky had an otherworldly feel and I can imagine seeing it in such an isolated outpost in northern Norway would be quite a bucket list experience.

Tromsø is one of the best spots in the world to see the Northern Lights due to its location within the Arctic Circle and minimal light pollution. From September to April, the skies come alive with vibrant green, purple, and blue lights dancing across the horizon.

Visitors can chase the Northern Lights on guided tours by bus, snowmobile or even dog sled.

For a truly magical Northern Lights experience, watch them from a remote cabin, a fjord cruise, or a floating sauna. With its long polar nights and stunning Arctic landscapes, visiting Tromsø offers an unforgettable Northern Lights adventure.

The scientific explanation of the Northern Lights is when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the earth’s atmosphere above the magnetic poles, both north and south (when this celestial phenomenon occurs in the south it’s called the Aurora Australis).

3- Go Dog Sledding

Marvel at the winter wonderland scenery in northern Norway as you ride in a sleigh pulled by huskies.

Dog sledding in Tromsø is a thrilling way to experience the Arctic wilderness. Led by energetic Alaskan huskies, you’ll glide through snow-covered landscapes, surrounded by majestic mountains and frozen fjords.

Dog sledding tours range from short rides to full-day adventures, with some even offering overnight stays in cosy cabins under the Northern Lights.

Some dog sledding tours allow you to drive your own sled or ride as a passenger while expert mushers guide the team. Along the way, you’ll learn about the dogs, their training, and the history of sledding in the Arctic. It’s an unforgettable, hands-on adventure perfect for nature lovers.

The wilderness around Tromsø is perfect for an adventurous dog sledding experience and a visit to a husky farm.

4- Feed Reindeer and Discover Sami Culture

Listen to Sami stories, feed the reindeer, and embrace the traditions of Norway’s Sami people. Half of the world’s 80,000 Sami people live in Norway—the rest are in Sweden, Finland, and Russia.

Northern Norway is the traditional home of the Sami, who support themselves by raising reindeer, fishing, and hunting.

Visiting Tromsø offers a unique opportunity to experience Sami culture firsthand, from trying traditional dishes like bidos (reindeer stew) to learning about their ancient connection with nature.

Many Sami experiences take place under the magical glow of the Aurora Borealis, making it an unforgettable journey into Norway’s indigenous heritage. 

5- Get A Snowshoe Workout

One of the fun things to do during winter in Norway is to go on a snowshoe safari and Tromso is the perfect place to explore. 

Walking with “tennis rackets” on your feet across the snow-covered ground is a great way to burn off some calories and get into the spirit of a northern adventure. 

Check out a range of outdoor activities in Tromso

6- Join A Snowmobile Safari

A fantastic day trip from Tromso is a snowmobile safari across through the most amazing winter scenery.

Think Narnia and Lord of the Rings as you wind your way through the winter wonderland landscape of the Lyngen Alps.

A bonus: the ferry trip across the fjords is an enchanting contrast to the snow-covered Alps.

Camp Tamok is a wilderness center located in the Tamok Valley, approximately a 75-minute drive from Tromsø, Norway. Camp Tamok offers a range of authentic Arctic experiences, making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure in the pristine landscapes of Northern Norway.

See more details about a snowmobile safari from Tromso here

7- Go Cross-country Skiing

Even if you’ve never tried cross-country skiing before, you’ll enjoy learning to do it in Tromso.

Norway is the land of world-class skiing competitors and learning to ski here is an experience you’ll always remember.

From flat terrain to some hilly country, the conditions are perfect for learners. 

Check out this cross-country skiing tour 

8- Join A Fjord Cruise

Most people stop in Tromso as a port of call while on a Norwegian coastline cruise from Bergen through the fjords. 

If you happen to be one of the few visitors that came by land or air then make sure you book yourself into one of these amazing fjord cruises from Tromso. 

9- Go Fishing

How about going fishing? Fishing in Northern Norway is a great way to get into the local lifestyle. Norwegians go fjord fishing, deep sea fishing and freshwater fishing. 

Here are some luxury fishing tours in Tromso that will allow you to enjoy the stunning scenery on the water near Tromso and the chance to catch a fish or two (not guaranteed!)

10- Have Fun On A Beer Safari

Yep, you read it right – not a bear safari but a beer safari of Tromso’s pubs. 

Northern Norway’s brewing traditions stretch way back into the country’s past and there’s something really cool about sipping a dark lager in the world’s northernmost brewery.

Fancy some reindeer carpaccio? How does 10 beers and Arctic tapas sound? 

Check out Tromso’s beer tour

11- Tour Tromso On The Tourist Train

Although many of the sights in Tromso are withing walking distance, save your feet and tour through the streets of Tromso on the tourist train, which also heads to the waterfront up to a scenic viewpoint and then back through the streets of Skansen.

This small, colourful train takes visitors on a guided tour through Tromsø’s historic streets, passing landmarks like the Arctic Cathedral, Polaria and Tromsø Bridge.

Along the way, passengers learn about the city’s history, Arctic exploration, and Sami culture through an informative audio guide.

Operating year-round, the train offers a fun, family-friendly way to experience Tromsø’s attractions, whether under the midnight sun in summer or beneath the Northern Lights or a polar night or surrounded by snow in winter. It’s a perfect introduction to the “Gateway to the Arctic” for first-time visitors.

12- Visit the Arctic Cathedral

The Tromsø Cathedral or Tromsdalen Church was built in 1965 and is a landmark that can be seen from Tromsø Sound and Tromsø Bridge. 

It’s an architectural creation with 11 aluminium-coated concrete panels and an impressive glass mosaic that was added to the cathedral in 1972.

As an architectural work of art, the cathedral is worth a visit just to see its glass mosaic, oak pews and chandeliers. 

Even better if there’s a Northern Lights concert on as the sound of music to the backdrop of the lights is simply magical. 

13- Ride The Fjellheisen Cable Car

Get an eyeful of Tromso from the Fjellheisen cable car, which operates between Solliveien in Tromsdalen to Storsteinen (421 m high).

The cable car trip only takes four minutes and the view from the platform is truly spectacular. 

If you have time, have dinner at the restaurant for a romantic treat. Check out the operating times here. 

13- Visit Tomso’s Museums

Tromsø’s museums offer a deep dive into Arctic history, culture, and exploration. The Tromsø University Museum covers Sami heritage, Arctic wildlife, and the Aurora Borealis.

The Polar Museum (Polarmuseet) highlights Tromsø’s role in Arctic expeditions, featuring exhibits on legendary explorers like Roald Amundsen. The Perspektivet Museum presents thought-provoking photography and local history.

Tromsø is home to the Troll Museum, Norway’s first museum dedicated entirely to trolls and fairy tales. Centrally located at Kaigata 3, the museum offers a unique experience that combines art and modern Augmented Reality (AR) technology.

Visitors can explore Norwegian folklore, myths, and legends, with exhibits that come to life through AR, providing an interactive journey into the world of trolls.

The museum is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, making it a fun and educational stop for anyone interested in Norse mythology and cultural heritage. ​

For a modern take, Polaria combines an Arctic aquarium with interactive exhibits on climate and wildlife. Each museum provides a unique perspective on northern Norway, making them essential stops for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone curious about life in the Arctic.

14- Visit Kvaløya Island And Go Whale Watching

Whale watching from Tromsø is an unforgettable Arctic adventure. From November to January, orcas and humpback whales migrate to the fjords to feed on herring, offering incredible wildlife encounters.

Whale Watching tours depart from Tromsø by boat or RIB (rigid inflatable boat), providing close-up views of these majestic creatures against a stunning Arctic backdrop. Along the way, you may also spot sea eagles, porpoises, and other marine life.

Kvaløya Island, or “Whale Island,” is a stunning Arctic destination near Tromsø, known for its majestic fjords, rugged mountains, and scenic coastal villages. It’s a prime spot for Northern Lights chasing, whale watching (November–January), and outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and reindeer sledding.

Visitors can explore Ersfjordbotn, hike Store Blåmann, or relax on Sommarøy’s white sandy beaches. The island’s minimal light pollution makes it ideal for Aurora Borealis sightings. Whether for a scenic road trip, fjord exploration, or Sami cultural experiences, Kvaløya offers a perfect Arctic escape just a short drive from Tromsø.

The experience of whale watching in northern Norway is both thrilling and serene, with knowledgeable whale watching tour guides sharing insights into whale behaviour and conservation. Dress warmly, bring your camera, and prepare for a breathtaking journey into the wild Norwegian waters.

15- Have A Drink In The Magic Ice Bar

The Magic Ice Bar in Tromsø is a unique Arctic experience where everything—from the walls to the glasses—is made of ice.

Located in the city centre, this ice-art gallery and bar features stunning ice sculptures illuminated by colorful lights, creating a mesmerising atmosphere.

Guests are welcomed with a warm poncho and gloves before enjoying signature cocktails served in ice glasses. The bar showcases carvings inspired by Arctic history and explorers, making it both an artistic and immersive experience.

Whether you’re escaping the cold or embracing it, the Magic Ice Bar offers a cool and unforgettable way to enjoy Tromsø.

16- Relax In A Floating Sauna

The Pust (Breathe) Floating Sauna in Tromsø offers a unique way to experience Arctic relaxation. Located in the city’s harbor, this modern, glass-fronted sauna provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and fjords.

Heated by a wood-burning stove, it creates a cozy escape from the cold, allowing visitors to enjoy the warmth while taking in the scenic Arctic landscape.

For the ultimate Nordic experience, brave guests can take a refreshing plunge into the icy waters before returning to the sauna’s soothing heat. Whether at sunrise, sunset, or under the Northern Lights, Pust is a must-visit for wellness lovers in Tromsø.

17- Taste Arctic Cuisine

Tromsø’s Arctic cuisine showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the flavors of Norway’s far north. Seafood lovers can enjoy delicacies like king crab, Arctic cod, and dried stockfish, while reindeer meat, prepared as steak, stew, or cured sausage, offers a taste of Sami tradition.

Restaurants like Mathallen, Fiskekompaniet, and Full Steam serve gourmet dishes blending modern techniques with Arctic heritage. For an authentic experience, try smalahove (sheep’s head) or lutefisk, a traditional dried fish dish.

Pair your meal with local craft beer or aquavit, Norway’s signature spirit. Dining in Tromsø is an unforgettable journey through Arctic flavors.

18- Explore The World’s Northernmost Botanical Garden

The Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden in Tromsø is the world’s northernmost botanical garden, offering a unique collection of plants adapted to extreme Arctic conditions.

Open year-round, the garden showcases rare and hardy species from the Arctic, Antarctic, and high-altitude regions worldwide. Visitors can explore vibrant Siberian lilies, Himalayan blue poppies, Arctic poppies, and even plants from Greenland and Patagonia.

Despite Tromsø’s location above the Arctic Circle, the Gulf Stream allows these plants to thrive during the peak season of summer. The garden is a peaceful and educational attraction, perfect for nature lovers and those curious about Arctic flora.

For more about Norway read:

• 20 Incredible Landmarks in Norway
• 20 Fairytale Castles In Norway
• Cruising The Norwegian Fjords
• 19 Things To Do In Tromso
• When Is The Best Time To Visit Norway?
• 20 Norwegian Cities
• 15 Things Norway Is Famous For

Multi-day tours from Tromso

19- See The Midnight Sun at Nordkapp 

545km north of Tromso, I arrive at a place that looks like it’s at the edge of the world.

I boarded the local bus from Honningsvag, the nearest village, and arrived at Nordkapp (North Cape) visitor’s centre.

Nordkapp sits on a cliff 307m above the ocean.

Near the edge of the cliff is a globe that serves as a landmark.

Nordkapp is Europe’s northernmost point (71°10’21″).

Actually, Nordkapp is not far from the North Pole.

2100km of ocean and the Svalbard Islands separates the two.

Standing at the edge of the cliff, the wind whips my hair and I feel a strong sense of isolation.

It seems incongruous to feel isolated when you’re surrounded by busloads of tourists but looking out at the Arctic Ocean from the clifftop still manages to make me feel like I’m in a remote and distant land.

The visitor’s centre has an underground tunnel and exhibits that describe the history of the North Cape.

There’s also a small chapel and a restaurant and function centre.

Not surprisingly, St Johannes chapel is the world’s northern-most chapel.

The dining area has magnificent views of the Arctic Ocean.

Click here for more amazing multi-day tours from Tromso